Bolton boxes clever to speed up traffic

27 June 2007

Bolton Council is to implement a one-way system and a separate, anti-clockwise gyratory for buses, as part of an £82M transport plan to reduce congestion and encourage sustainable travel options.
Work will begin in the summer on the first phase of the five-year plan, which will put the Town Centre Transport Strategy into effect. The scheme will deliver a clockwise one-way system to improve the circulation of traffic, while buses will be redirected around the town centre on the Inner Bus Circulation Route, which will also be available to cyclists.
These developments will be accompanied by improved public transport and cycling facilities, and more pedestrianisation in the town centre.
The one-way system, known as the Outer Highway Box, aims to discourage motorists from taking short cuts through the town centre by directing them to edge-of-town car parks, where they can continue their journeys to the centre on foot. Pedestrian signals will be prioritised to assist pedestrians and cyclists and encourage traffic circulation round the edge of the central area.
Removal of ‘rat runs’ through the town centre will be achieved by pedestrianising some streets and cutting through routes in the central area. Work on the Inner Bus Circulation Route will culminate with a new bus-rail interchange planned for 2012. Improved pedestrian crossings and more cycle lanes are also planned. The strategy was developed jointly by Bolton Council and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, with the aim of encouraging alternatives to the car on the daily commute.
Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton’s executive member for environmental services, said: ‘While there is likely to be some disruption in the shorter term, we would ask people to persevere, as we believe these changes are crucial to reducing congestion and helping change the way people travel into Bolton in future.’

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login

Sign In

Bolton boxes clever to speed up traffic

order biaxin tablets

buying biaxin

ordering clarithromycin

Register now for full access

Login